Bissoe trail
For those of you cycling fanatics who enjoy exploring there are several trails in Cornwall that the whole family can enjoy.
The most popular route is the Coast to Coast Trail, which runs from Devoran (near Bissoe) on the South coast to the Portreath on the North coast. This is Cornwall’s narrowest point and you can literally travel across Cornwall and back in less than a day.
The full Coast to Coast Trail is 11 miles long, which follows tramway and railway routes used to transport ore and supplies from the mines to the ports on the coasts. Although this route is mainly flat is more suitable for those of you who enjoy off-road mountain biking.
On this trail you will pass through the heart of Cornish tin mining country where you will see old mine workings across the landscape.
There are a number of other routes that you can ride through from Bissoe, spanning 60km in all. If cycling isn’t for you then why not take the dog for a stroll around a trail.
You can hire a bike from Cornwall Cycle Hire and pop into the cafe either before you set off or on your way back and order some delicious food, from Salads, Panini’s, All-Day breakfasts, hot and cold roll, soups, Cornish cream teas, snacks, refreshments, Ice cream and a range of drinks to suit all tastes.
You can also purchase bikes and cycling gear from the Bike Chain shop where you can also take your bike to be serviced
Camel trail
This trail runs alongside the old railway beside River Camel that has been converted from the rail track bed to trail way, linking the towns of Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin. This 18 mile almost car free historic railway track is perfect for a family day out if you are on holiday in Cornwall. You can follow the trail and stroll towards the picturesque market town of Camelford or follow the trail and cycle to Padstow where there are just over five miles of cycle trail waiting to be discovered.
The Padstow to Wadebridge line was opened in 1899 providing access from Waterloo via Okehampton and Launceston, but the section from Wadebridge to Poley’s Bridge is one of the oldest in the world and was opened in 1834.
Bodmin through to Wadebridge was connected to the mainline system and operated until 1967, whilst the line between Bodmin and Poley’s Bridge, which was only ever used for freight, closed in 1984.
At Padstow Cycle Hire you can hire a range of bikes which are checked for safety on a regular basis. Even though you may prefer a mountain bike this trail is relatively flat and is along a road surface so it might be better to hire or take a lighter hybrid bike unless you are used to riding mountain bikes.
They are open every day from 9am – 5pm. You can hire a bike for half a day after 3pm.Discounts can be offered for large groups of people.
You can also make the most of the lovely long summer days by riding off into the sunset from 5pm – 9pm available from mid July – 31st August.